Monster Donut Eyeballs are super fun treats that look like silly creatures! With soft donuts topped with colorful icing, they have little candy eyeballs staring back at you.
If you’re throwing a party or just want to surprise the kids, these donuts will definitely steal the show. I love making a batch and enjoying them with a glass of milk—it’s a blast! 🍩👀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Donuts: You can use any plain or glazed donuts, but smaller ones or donut holes are ideal for easy decorating. If you want a healthier option, try making baked donut holes instead of fried ones.
White Icing: Store-bought icing works great, but you can also make your own with powdered sugar and milk—just beat them together until smooth. It’s fun to add a little vanilla or almond extract for flavor!
Candy Eyeballs: Look for candy eyeballs in craft or party stores. If you can’t find them, mini marshmallows with chocolate chips can make cute alternatives.
Colored Icing: Feel free to use any color you like! This is a great chance to get creative. Different flavors can be used too; perhaps raspberry for red, orange for orange icing, etc.
Decorating Gel: If you prefer homemade, mix corn syrup with food coloring. You can even use melted chocolate for the black details, which adds a delicious touch!
How Do You Get the Perfect Icing Base for Your Donuts?
The icing is key to making those donuts look just right! Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Start with donuts at room temperature. Cold donuts will cause the icing to harden instantly and may not coat well.
- Dip each donut halfway in the white icing or use a clean brush to spread it on. The idea is to cover every spot evenly.
- Let the icing set until it’s tacky—this helps candy eyeballs stick without sliding off.
Taking your time with the icing will definitely pay off in the end! Enjoy the creative process as you bring these monster donuts to life.
Monster Donut Eyeballs Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 plain or glazed donuts (preferably small-sized or donut holes)
- White icing or glaze (about 2 cups)
- Assorted colored icing or glaze (purple, orange, etc., about 1 cup total)
- Candy eyeballs (12 large pieces)
- Red decorating gel or red food coloring mixed with corn syrup (for bloodshot veins)
- Black decorating gel or black food coloring mixed with corn syrup (for eyeball veins and details)
- Crushed freeze-dried raspberries or red sugar sprinkles (for extra “blood” texture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and spooky recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time. You will have a little waiting time as the icing sets, so plan on about 1 hour total from start to serving. Perfect for a Halloween party or a playful treat any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Donuts:
Make sure your donuts are at room temperature. Lay them out on a tray lined with parchment paper to catch any drips from the icing.
2. Create the Base Icing:
Dip or brush each donut in the white icing or glaze to create a smooth surface that looks like the white part of an eyeball (sclera). Let them dry slightly until the icing is set but still a bit tacky to the touch.
3. Add Color to Some Donuts:
For variety, take some donuts and cover them with assorted colored icing (like purple or orange). Let those donuts dry for a few minutes as well.
4. Add the Candy Eyeballs:
Place one large candy eyeball right in the center of each donut. Press gently to ensure they stick to the glaze.
5. Draw the Eyeball Veins:
Using black decorating gel, draw blood vessels and cracks extending outward from the eyeball onto the white icing. If you used colored icing, skip this step or just add a few small, fun cracks instead!
6. Create the Bloodshot Effect:
Use red decorating gel or a small brush dipped in the red food coloring mixture to add “bloodshot” veins. You can also splatter it lightly on some donuts for a more dramatic effect.
7. Add Texture with Sprinkles:
Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried raspberries or red sugar sprinkles on top of the red veins to give a gruesome look that adds both color and texture.
8. Allow to Set:
Let all the decorating gels dry completely before serving. This helps everything stick nicely!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange the Monster Donut Eyeballs on a serving platter and get ready for everyone’s reactions! These treats are sure to be a hit—delicious and delightfully creepy!
These monster donuts are perfect for Halloween parties or any fun occasion where you want to impress with creepy-eyed treats that taste delicious and look amazing!
Can I Use Different Types of Donuts?
Absolutely! While plain or glazed donuts work best, you can also use chocolate or flavored donuts for added uniqueness. Just make sure they have a smooth base for better icing adhesion.
How Can I Store Leftover Donut Eyeballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If the weather is warm, it’s better to refrigerate them to keep the icing from melting.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the donuts and apply the white icing a day in advance. Just add the candy eyeballs and decorative details on the day you plan to serve them for the freshest look!
What If I Can’t Find Candy Eyeballs?
No worries! Mini marshmallows topped with a chocolate chip or even round gumdrops can work as a fun substitute for candy eyeballs, keeping the spooky theme intact!
